Murder al Fresco by Jennifer L. Hart-5 stars

Hart, Jennifer L., Murder al Fresco. 6.28 hrs. Jennifer L. Hart, 2016. $19.95. Audible Download

Source: Purchased a copy
 

After her television cooking debut was sabotaged, Andy, aka “The Death Chef,’ Buckland longs to figure out who was behind it. Since moving back to her hometown, she’s rescued her family’s pasta shop, become engaged to her fiancé, Malcolm, and reunited with her estranged daughter, ex-boyfriend, and father. All that will come in jeopardy, however, when Andy’s former mentor and boss asks her and Malcolm to look into a blogger who is trying to bring down the show known as the “Diced Showdown.” To top it off, a chef from the show gets murdered, Malcolm comes home from a business trip with an infant son, and someone starts sabotaging Andy once more. Will Andy be able to get control of her life again? Who is the saboteur? Are they also the murderer? 

Narrator, Suzanne Cerreta’s unique voices masterfully bring to life each character’s unique personalities and accents. Characters are well developed, likable, and humorous. Her smooth intonations add depth to the author’s fast pace. The plot is well developed, engaging, and full of twists and turns. Impossible to put down, this is a must listen for anyone who likes humorous mysteries. It is recommended that people read/listen to the first two in the series, but it is not necessary. 

5 stars, ADULT

Zero Day by Jan Gangsei-5 stars

Gangsei, Jan, Zero Day. Blackstone Audio, 2016. 8 CDs. 9:3 hrs. $105. Audible Download.

Source: Copy in exchange for honest review
 

When she was 8, Addie Webster was kidnapped and disappeared without a trace. Now 16, Addie has returned. She claims she escaped from her captors. After her childhood friend and national security advisor, Darrow Ferguson, gets called in to monitor Addie’s return to her family. As the two become re-acquainted with each other, however, it becomes clear that she has an ulterior mission. Is Addie really a terrorist threat?

Narrator, Andi Arndt’s intriguing, dynamic voice brings Addie and Darrow’s characters and world to life. The plot is intriguing, fast paced, engaging, and well developed. Arndt easily navigates the twists and turns while drawing the reader into the story. The author masterfully intermixes action, thriller, and mystery together. With characters who aren’t what they seem and enchant the reader with their likable personalities, but intriguing characters, fans of action thriller fiction will enjoy reading this book. 

Grades 7 to 12, 5 stars 

Devious Minds by Colleen Helme-5 stars

Helme, Colleen, Devious Minds. 9.06 hrs. Colleen Helme, 2016. $19.95. Audible Download

Source: Free review copy in exchange for honest review

After a near fatal gunshot wound to the head almost a year ago, Shelby developed the ability to read minds. Since then, she has gotten herself shot at, framed for murder, targeted by a serial killer, and working part-time for mob boss, Joseph "The Knife" Manetto, aka Uncle Joey. When Shelby agreed to do a favor for CIA agent, Blake BoShane in order to protect Uncle Joey, she never imagined that that favor could be anything more than routine. While in France helping Blake with his case, a meeting with a rogue agent reveals a sinister terrorist plot. Shelby gets kidnapped only to be rescued by mob-htiman, Ramos. Now she and Ramos must face their deadliest challenge yet. Will Shelby and Ramos save France and themselves?

Narrator, Wendy Tremont King brings Helme's memorable characters easily to life. Her unique voice add flare and depth to the plot and engage the reader. The dynamics between Shelby, Ramos, Uncle Joey, and her husband, Chris are believable and easy to relate to. The author does a great job of distinguishing thoughts from external dialogue and
action scenes.. The plot is fast-paced, intense, and well written. Reader who are familiar with Shelby's escapades or are new to the series will have a hard time putting this book down. Recommended for those who enjoy humor, mystery, and adventure books.

5 stars, ADULT

Door by the Staircase by Katherine Marsh-5 stars

Marsh, Katherine, Door by the Staircase. Pgs. 288. Disney Hyperion, 2016. $17.99

Ever since her mother and father were killed in a fire, 12-year-old orphan, Mary Hayes hasn’t had a place to call home. Wanting nothing but to escape from Buffalo Asylum for Young Girls, Maya is thrilled when Madame Z, an elderly woman, adopts her. Her new home is in a village called Iris. This village has more than meets the eye. Despite being filled with magic and razzle-dazzle, something feels off to Mary. As her new mystery of a life unfolds, she discovers that Madame Z is really Baba Yaga-the witch who eats children. Is Baba Yaga the enemy her fairy tale story suggests? Or, is there someone or something else more sinister going on?

Narrator, Laurel Merlington captivating, distinct voices bring Mary’s world and it’s characters to life. Her intonations are an ideal match for this well-paced novel. The plot is well developed and intense.  The rich, layered text adds depth to the story and draws the reader into the story with ease. Fans of fantasy, mystery, and adventure will enjoy listening to this audiobook.

Grades 4 to 7, 5 stars

Dragon’s Return: Zodiac Legacy #2 by Stan Lee-5 stars

Lee, Stan, Dragon’s Return: Zodiac Legacy #2. 8.24 hrs. (unbar.). Blackstone Audio, 2016. $29.95. ISBN 978-1481501699

When we last left Steven, he and his Zodiac teammates had removed Maxwell’s dragon powers and sent him into retreat. Not, however, before Maxwell had captured Carlos, the team’s leader.  Now Mawell and Carlos haven’t been seen in months, but the Zodiac team is falling apart. Jasmine, the other team’s leader, has become a hermit and is rarely seen outside of her hiding place. Duane is having trouble coming to terms with his non-combat skills. Kim’s father is ill and she’s having doubts about staying with Zodiac. Roxanne is toying with the idea of going back to her musical career. Personal lives, however, get put on hold once again when rumors of Mawell’s next move start to surface. Can the team band together long enough to stop Mawell? Will Jasmine snap out of her funk? What is Mawell planning?

Narrator, Feodor Chin engaging narrative style brings to life Steven’s world. His original voices are befitting of the book’s characters. He masterfully narrates the images in the physical book as well as the action and dialogue scenes. The plot is well developed and has a brisk pace that keeps the listener on their toes. Together, Chin and Lee draw the reader into a movie-like telling of the book. Fans of Stan Lee, Marvel, superheroes, and action/adventure books will have a hard time putting this audiobook down. 

5 stars, Grades 5 to 9